Thursday, November 10, 2011

Farm Memories #4...The Allis Chalmers D-17...

I had a fun surprise this morning!

retired farmer and "author"

My father in law walked into the barn around 6:30 and handed me a slip of paper with this story written on it. I had asked him a few days ago if he'd write me another story about farm memories...this time about the Allis Chalmers D-17...and he came through again! Thanks Lloyd!

A Story From A Guest Blogger...

My father purchased this Allis Chalmers D-17 tractor in the late 1950's, when it was almost new...

Jim and Eric ( age 1...on the newly painted D-17) in 1997

It wasn't a big tractor, but I sure thought it was! The D-17 has about 55 horse power. The Allis Chalmers tractors had a very quick governor, which means when it started working hard, the engine sped up quick as a wink.

Before the D-17, I plowed with a Ferguson TO30. The D-17 pulled a three-bottom, 16" plow, which it pulled very well in corn stalk ground. It had a snap coupler hook up, which pulled from the center of the tractor, which made the plow easier to pull...

Another unique feature the tractor had was a hand clutch that we called the "big stick", which had a high and low gear, with neutral in the center. This made it easier for my wife Norma to drive. She drove the D-17 to bale a lot of hay. When she came to a groundhog hole, she would pop the big stick into neutral, and motion for me to drive around the hole for her. I would say, "Just go slow!". Norma would just smile at me and motion for me to drive around the hole!

The D-17 went from my father to me...and then I sold it to my son. (Jim) The D-17 is still running! When I go back to the farm, I enjoy using it. I have a lot of memories on it!

To sum it up, I really liked the tractor and so did Norma. It was very easy to drive.......although one day when I was very busy, I asked Norma, "Do you want to harrow, or put the cows out?" Norma said, "I will harrow." After some time, I saw her and the tractor, stopped at the far end of the field. I thought, "What could be wrong?" When she came in, I asked "What happened up there?" Norma replied, "I just got sleepy and took a little nap!"

Great story I enjoyed it. I love the fact that Norma drove the tractor and worked with it reminds me of my mum a real good ole country women. Awesome photos as well. Thanks for sharing all of this. Have a wonderful day !

I love your guest bloggers story. It is always very special to hear about tractors from the source. I love Norma I to have been known to park the tractor and have a little nap. ssshhh don't tell My Hero :) B

About Me

I am from…hay tunnels, raw milk, and mooing hummies.
I am from large farmhouses with dark, dirt floored cellars, shelves filled with canned goods and the path worn to Grandma’s house.
I am from women who milked the cows, hands rough from outside work, from a quartet of girls, from Elizabeth, Ella and Helen.
I am from shelling lima beans until my fingers are numb, husking corn and singing silly songs at the top of my lungs to pass the time.
I am from the Buck, but it’s not in the Boonies like everyone says, from Herr and Neff and Harnish and Shenk, from lima beans served with milk and butter, and Grandma’s baked chicken.
I am from avoiding conflict at all cost, from trying to please others, “To have a friend you must show yourself friendly!” and “Call if you’re going to be late!”
I am from the depression- era widow with 2 small boys, who went to market to feed her family, from the sweet grandmother who lived to see 3 centuries .
I am from a long line of traditional Mennonites, 4-part harmony, “Praise to God Immortal Praise” and “Let us return thanks”.
I am from shelves of scrapbooks, lovingly crafted to share the stories of life for generations to come.